Here's How an Acoustic Gunshot Locator Works

And how it might help curb gun violence in Seattle.

In June, mayor Ed Murray announced that Seattle wants to launch a pilot program in the Rainier Valley and Central District (both hot spots for gun violence in 2015) using acoustic gunshot-locator technology that could help police respond more quickly to shots fired. He didn’t specify where he’d get that tech, but the city has courted a company called ShotSpotter in the past. Here’s what they do—and what they’re up against.